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Contact Us
The MHLS Bulletin welcomes submissions from member libraries.
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Construction Awards Announced
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The FY 2019-2020 State Aid for Public Library Construction Grant Program Awards totaling $1,339,996 have been announced and nine MHLS Member Libraries, along with the Mid-Hudson Library System, have been awarded funds. The application process began well over a year ago, so these libraries have been waiting a long time for this announcement!
"Libraries have always been critical to education, but their role is more important now than ever,"
said Board of Regents Vice Chancellor T. Andrew Brown. "Public libraries are taking innovative steps to ensure that families have the technology and digital skills they need to support students. These projects are necessary to accommodate these expanding resources."
 "Libraries give entire communities the resources they need to thrive by providing access to broadband and are natural partners in education," Interim Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa said. "New Yorkers will also be able to use these updated resources for better access to healthcare, workforce resources, social services, financial institutions and goods and services."
"COVID has made it clearer than ever that our public libraries are essential community centers and trusted sources of information. Throughout the pandemic, our libraries adapted and shifted their services online to remain essential centers for our communities," said Chair of the New York State Senate Education Committee Shelley B. Mayer. "The capital funding announced today is essential for our libraries to remain the community centers they have become. I am so pleased that even in these tough times, these funds are now being allocated."
 "As many families continue to work and learn from home, libraries play an increasingly important role in our society," said Assemblymember Sean Ryan, Chair of the Assembly Libraries and Education Technology Committee. "Libraries have continued to grow in communities across our state, and we've seen them expand technology and programming into spaces that aren't designed for the needs of modern users. This Construction Aid Funding will ensure that libraries can make critical upgrades that will allow them to increase accessibility, enhance technological services and better facilitate existing programs. Libraries provide an environment for lifelong learning and I'm proud to work with my colleagues in government to secure funding for these important facilities."
 "Libraries provide a fundamental service to our public through the cultivation of various forms of literature," said Assemblymember Kevin M. Byrne of the 94th District. "Periodically, these libraries need funding to make improvements that help them connect with today's youth and modern readers. With these funds, Brewster Public Library, John C. Hart Memorial Library and Putnam Valley Free Library can make the changes that are necessary to continue to spread knowledge and culture throughout our community."
 "Public libraries are, in essence, well-used and much-loved community centers, and like all of infrastructure resources, require timely investments in their proper upkeep," said Senator Peter Harckham of the 40th District. "I am pleased to have helped secure state grants for these four libraries with a full understanding that the scheduled repairs and enhancements will benefit residents for years to come."
2020 Awards in the Mid-Hudson Library System
Amenia Free Library: $445,611
Expand the Library facility from an 880 sq. ft. WPA building from 1938 to a modern 2,800 sq. ft. facility which will meet the needs of our community.
Brewster Public Library: $27,195
Built-ins such as a handicap accessible Children's Help Desk. Child-sized seating, shelving, etc, for use by all ages, sizes and mobility levels.
Claverack Free Library: $182,429
Expand by renovating and repurposing a former firehouse next door to the library.
Marlboro Free Library: $117,062
Roofing upgrade.
Sarah Hull Hallock Free Library (Milton): $51,765
Make main level exterior accessibility improvements that will address current issues with safe access to the library.
Plattekill Library: $126,910
Purchase of existing library building and property.
Pleasant Valley Free Library: $190,078
Acquisition of the land the Library currently leases and lot to south with demolition of dilapidated cottage and site prep for expansion.
Putnam Valley Free Library: $10,787
Purchase and installation of an electronic, double-sided outdoor sign.
Stanford Free Library: $157,261
Construct and install finishes, furniture, fittings, equipment and technology systems.
Mid-Hudson Library System: $30,898
Replace 2nd floor air conditioning unit with energy efficient unit.
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MHLS Announcements
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2021 Summer Reading resources are now available. The slogan for 2021 is Tails and Tales. The theme for all programs is Animals and Stories.
- Manuals: All libraries now have access to the 2021Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) manual. Directions for accessing the manual are available at https://midhudson.org/summer-reading-program/. The access code as well as a copy of the directions will be sent via the MHLS-Notice list on Tuesday, October 20th. At the request of CSLP we are unable to publish the access code on a public space. If you need the access code you can request it from Kerstin Cruger, MHLS Library Sustainability Associate & Communications Specialist, kcruger@midhudson.org.
- Posters: Unfortunately, the NY State Library is unable to purchase 2021 posters for libraries and systems this year. If you would like to purchase posters for your library they are available through the CSLP catalog and online via the CSLP Shop. Please keep in mind when ordering items, the shipping schedule is as follows:
- Place order by: December 1st, 2020 - Receive order by: March 1st, 2021
- Place order by: January 1st, 2021 - Receive order by: April 1st, 2021
- Place order by: March 1st, 2021 - Receive order by: May 1st, 2021
- READsquared: The New York State Library is pleased to offer READsquared at no cost to public libraries statewide. READsquared is an online reading program solution. This powerful application offers customization and configuration of CSLP-themed summer reading programs and other reading and learning programs, as well as readers' advisory tools for all ages and all reading levels. The NY State Library received approval for purchase of the app and libraries are encouraged to take advantage of this extra feature. The app is supported with CARES act funds through December 2021. If your library purchased the app this summer your contract will be extended to match the state contract. Please contact READsquared for more information.
- NYS Summer Reading Website: A resource list of free online and e-resources for students, librarians and educators is available on the NYS Summer Reading website and will be updated periodically.
- Performers and Programs Database: A category listing virtual programs and presenters has been added to the Performers and Programs database to assist libraries searching for virtual program options.
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The slogan for the 2022 Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), as chosen by librarians across the country, will be Oceans of Possibility.
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 Reed Memorial Library in Carmel wanted to do something to help support families who were coping with at-home learning and also put Putnam County's "homework help" money to good use. They purchased 175 pairs of blue light glasses with clear frames and "Reed Library" embossed in red on one arm. Families with Carmel Central School District students could pick up the glasses at the library during designated hours. There was a limit of two per family. All the glasses were claimed in less than two weeks! Jeanne Buck, Reed Memorial Library Director said, "Getting the library noticed and the positive buzz around the community about the library made it one of the most worthwhile things we have ever tried. "
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Professional Development
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Central New York Library Resources Council is offering a one-hour webinar, open to all on Understanding Homeschooling in New York State and the Role Libraries Play Monday, November 9th, at 2:00 pm. With the recent elevated interest in homeschooling, is your library strategically prepared to assist this growing community group? Research shows that up to 70% of homeschool families consider the library a main resource for their education. Good patron service begins with understanding of need. Join Deanna McGregor, Homeschool Liaison Librarian, as she explains why some families choose to transition informal learning at home into the educational path of homeschooling. Learn homeschool family motivations, New York State requirements, and what resources are available. Most importantly, she will share from experience how libraries can meet multiple literacy needs of families homeschooling young children. Registration: https://clrc.org/event/webinar-understanding-homeschooling/
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Resource Sharing & Sierra
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Register for the final event in the eCollection Development Webinar Series, Beyond OverDrive in eCollection Development taking place on Monday, October 26th at 2:00 pm. Hear from a panel of member library directors who have worked to expand their e-collection with locally funded products. Each director will share their philosophy of eCollection development, their tips for selection and working with vendors as well as reveal their "best" and "worst" eCollection development decisions over the years.
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Join MHLS Assistant ILP Operations Supervisor Nina Acosta on Friday, October 30th at 2:00pm for Serials Training. This webinar is for library staff who manage the catalog records for your library's magazines. With the recent addition of Sierra's Serials functions, the process for adding magazine issues is going to change. This session will introduce you to Sierra's new Serials features and show you how to work with them to provide a better experience for patrons to request magazines through the online catalog. Please register for this webinar through the MHLS calendar.
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 Saturday, October 24th, 2020 is the first-ever Vote Early Day. Vote Early Day is a movement of nonprofits, businesses, election administrators, and creatives working to ensure all Americans know their options to vote early. When Americans vote early, they ensure that last minute problems will not prevent them from casting their ballots - and help shorten voting lines on Election Day for everyone. Given our current conditions with COVID-19, having multiple options to safely cast your ballot is critical. Check out the Vote Early Day Toolkit https://toolkit.voteearlyday.org/ to download the logo, you can even customize it with your library name, access social media language and more. Don't forget to use the hashtags, #VoteEarlyDay and #VoteReady when posting to your social accounts.
There is still time to register for Tech Tools for Library Service with MHLS Library Sustainability Coordinator Casey Conlin on Wednesday, October 28th at 10:00 am. Many libraries turned to technology solutions to deliver traditional library services safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and many found these solutions helped increase the accessibility and visibility of these services. This program will look at the tools and solutions local libraries have found for meeting patron needs amid the pandemic and in the recovery. This session is part of the MHLS Reimagining Library Services Series.
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 There is still a great need for kids to have access to nutritious food during the school year, as many students are continuing remote learning. Libraries can help with this important role in their communities as they resume services and provide curbside pickup. USDA waivers in place over the summer have been extended to the end of the year to help provide nutritious food for kids learning from home. Libraries can distribute information about food assistance or SNAP/EBT benefits to their library users, and can find all outreach materials, information, and updates at Hunger Solutions NY.
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Reference & Collection Development
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 Black Lives Matter, Black Literature Matters - Comics Reading List: As the next iteration of the ongoing collaboration between the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), and the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table of the American Library Association (GNCRT), they are launching an updated version of the Black Lives Matter comics reading list with a focus on Black Literature. Learn more on the website. The recording for the "GNCRT & BCALA Collaboration - Black Lives Matter: Comics as a Powerful Lens for Social Justice" webinar is also available.
New Toolkit to Help Youth Experiencing Financial Insecurity and Homelessness: The Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers (LSUCTC) committee is devoting the 2020-2021 calendar year to creating a vibrant, dynamic toolkit that provides ALSC members with up-to-date resources for working with marginalized populations. Each toolkit page will provide professional and leisure reading recommendations, support for programming, and materials for families. As dynamic documents, these pages will continue to grow and develop as we find new resources, share our experiences, and continue to learn. Learn more about the committee and toolkit on the ALSC website.
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The New York State Office of Information Technology Services' is once again hosting the "NYS K-12 Kids Safe Online Poster Contest." The contest is open to all students in New York State public, private and home-schools. As students learn to navigate the classroom in a more virtual setting during the COVID-19 pandemic, they need a strong cyber education to accompany it. Learning to be a good digital citizen has become a skill that even our youngest students must develop to get the most out of their online education. The contest has five entry categories: Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, Grades 9-12 and Special Education. New York State winners will be displayed in the 2022 NYS Kids Safe Online Calendar and entered into the MS-ISAC National Computer Security Poster Contest. More information on the "NYS K-12 Kids Safe Online Poster Contest" can be found on the contest webpage at https://its.ny.gov/ciso/2020-2021-kids-safe-online-poster-contest. The contest entry deadline is December 18th, 2020.
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You only have a couple days left to register for the MHLS Annual
Membership Meeting taking place on Friday, October 23rd at 10:00 am.
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The next session in the MHLS Trustee Education Series will be Financial & Fiduciary Responsibility on Wednesday, December 2nd at 5:30 pm. Presented by Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, MHLS Executive Director this intermediate-level course is for trustees who have been on the board for at least a year. Library boards are trusted with public and private funds to provide quality library service to their community. Transparency and accountability must be at the forefront as a board makes decisions pertaining to the library's finances. This course will focus on the financial and fiduciary responsibility involved with:
- The library's budget
- Library funding
- Financial policies
- Reports to the board
- External audits
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Administration & Management
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REALM Test 5 Results Announced: For Test 5, four fabrics and leather-materials commonly used for bookbinding, upholstery, and crowd control-were selected, including leather book cover, synthetic leather, polyolefin fabric, cotton fabric, and nylon webbing. Results show that after eight days of quarantine, SARS-CoV-2 virus was still detected on leather and synthetic leather materials. For the polyolefin fabric and nylon webbing, only the amount of virus after the initial 1 hour of drying time could be measured. No data for the cotton fabric could be collected or reported. The materials were provided by the American Museum of National History, a private donation and through procurement from vendors. For more information, visit the REALM website.
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